Quietside Campground & Cabins

Quietside Campground harbor boardwalk and lighthouse-style tower in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Quietside Campground & Cabins sits on the Acadia periphery in Bernard, Maine, offering 37 wooded sites and multiple cabin options. Tent sites use wooden platforms and some walk-in spots sit up to 100' from roads; Water/Electric sites add 30-amp service with water but no sewer. Cabins range from Camping Cabins to Hobbit Huts, all set in a peaceful forest just a short drive from Acadia trails and Southwest Harbor.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Private (Phone reservations only)
Reservation Window: Reservations for 2025 open Feb 1; book early
Reservation Tips: Call to reserve; openings begin Feb 1, 2025; expect quick fill
Season Dates: June 13 – Indigenous Peoples' Day (mid-October)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Private (Phone reservations only)
Reservation Window: Reservations for 2025 open Feb 1; book early
Reservation Tips: Call to reserve; openings begin Feb 1, 2025; expect quick fill
Season Dates: June 13 – Indigenous Peoples' Day (mid-October)
Fills Up Speed: Books quickly; early booking advised
Per Night Cost: Cabins around $50/night (Hobbit huts); other site rates not published; rates based on 2 adults and 2 children with extra-person fees
Extra Vehicle Fees: Pricing documents do not list any extra-vehicle charges.
Day Use Fees: Not applicable for campers
Passes Accepted: Pass acceptance details are not published in official materials.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 37
Site Types: Tent sites, Water/Electric sites, Cabins (Camping Cabins, Rustic Non-Electric Cabins, Two-Story Camping Cabin, Hobbit Huts)
Site Type Breakdown: Tent sites with wooden platforms; Water/Electric sites with 30-amp service; Cabins include 7 Camping Cabins (6 log), 2 Rustic Non-Electric Cabins, 1 Two-Story Camping Cabin, 3 Hobbit Huts
RV Max Length: 22 ft on Water/Electric sites; some sources note up to 28 ft, but primary data cites 22 ft
Group Sites Available: 0
Hookups: Water and 30-amp electricity on Water/Electric sites; no sewer hookups at any site; tents no electricity
Site Features: Picnic tables and fire pits at all sites; potable water spigots throughout the campground
Ground Type: Tent platforms (wood); other sites on crushed rock
Site Privacy: Wooded, private sites with varying distances between sites

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Two heated, full-service bathhouses with flush toilets, sinks, and showers
Showers Available: Free hot showers
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available throughout the campground
Dump Station: No on-site dump station
Trash Service: Trash disposal areas are accessible; bear-proof dumpsters not explicitly mentioned
Camp Store: On-site camp store sells camping necessities, firewood, ice, snacks; coffee 8–10am July through Labor Day
Firewood Availability: Firewood sold at the camp store; gathering firewood on-site is not allowed
Cell Service: Cell service coverage is not documented in official materials.
Nearby Facilities: Southwest Harbor (~8 miles); Acadia access within a few miles on the island

Access

Road Type: Crushed rock camp roads
Road Conditions: Roads tight for larger vehicles; sedan-friendly but plan for tight turns
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs limited to 22 feet on Water/Electric sites; some sources list up to 28 ft
Clearance Needed: Sedan-friendly, but exercise caution on turns
Gate Hours: Gate hours: No published information on gate opening or closing times.
Distance From Entrance: Approximately a 5-minute drive to Acadia on the quiet side; about 30 minutes to main areas
Nearest Gas Services: Southwest Harbor, ~8 miles away
Elevation: Varies
Accessibility: There are heated bathhouses with flush toilets, sinks, and showers; no published information about ADA accessibility or accessible routes.
ADA Accessible Sites: ADA-accessible sites: No information published in current materials.

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Bear safety emphasized; specific storage rules not listed
Fire Restrictions: Fire rings allowed; no seasonal bans mentioned
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Quiet, well-behaved pets allowed with $1 per night; owner must supervise and clean up
Generator Hours: No published generator-hours policy; generator use is not documented in current campground materials.
Quiet Hours: Not posted; campground noted for its tranquil atmosphere
Max Stay Limit: Maximum stay duration is not published in official materials.
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking from camp; nearby fishing and swimming opportunities
Trailheads Nearby: Acadia trails accessible nearby; short jaunt to park entrances
Fishing Details: Nearby fishing opportunities in the Acadia area
Wildlife Viewing: Bear country; expect wildlife; practice proper food storage
Shade Coverage: Dense canopy throughout the campground
Scenic Views: Forest views; not waterfront
Noise Level: Quiet atmosphere
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early fall; mild days and cooler nights
Vibe Check: A functional, forested basecamp for families; privacy-focused and peaceful rather than resort-like
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a quiet, woodsy campground with 22-ft RV limit on Water/Electric sites and cabin options. ❌ SKIP IF: You need large RV hookups, group sites, or heavy amenities; this is a small, private setting
Tips Advice: Book early; 37 sites fill quickly
Rigs up to 22 ft on Water/Electric sites; plan for tight turns
Firewood sold on-site; don’t move wood from outside
Coffee available 8–10am in-season

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park (Mount Desert Island), Bernard, Maine
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly, quiet setting with cabins and walkable access to Acadia trails
Senior Access Discounts: Senior-discount details are not listed in campground materials.
Nearby Attractions: Southwest Harbor (~8 miles); Acadia National Park main areas ~30 minutes; local shops and dining
Terrain Type: Wooded with crushed rock internal roads
Temperature Ranges: Seasonal; nights cool, summers mild
Snow Season: Snow possible; season ends mid-October
Setup Strategy: RVs up to 22 ft on Water/Electric; roads are crushed rock and tight; plan back-in or cautious drive-through; cabin area is forested and private
Bath Laundry Recon: Two heated bathhouses with flush toilets; free hot showers; on-site laundry not listed; expect basic facilities
Review Summary: 4.8 stars from 122 reviews; campers praise privacy, quiet atmosphere, and affordable Hobbit cabins; bookings fill quickly